Annual Fund Giving Goes a Long Way

Using Good Cents

hen gifts are made to the University of Miami Annual Fund, you can rest assured that your money is going to good use by helping to provide a variety of educational opportunities for today's students.

A year-round effort that generates flexible funding for student scholarships and innovative academic programs, the Annual Fund provides a direct, reliable source of income throughout the year, every year. The fund aids in the purchase of state-of-the-art computer and laboratory equipment as well as in the improvement of many campus facilities, resources, and services. Contributions to the Annual Fund, which starts and ends according to the fiscal calendar of June 1 through May 31, also help attract and maintain talented and prolific faculty members dedicated to academic excellence and advanced research endeavors.

Alumni are the first vanguard of support for any college or university. At the University of Miami, parents, friends, and more than 13,000 loyal alumni contribute to the Annual Fund each year, helping the University attain even greater levels of success and prestige.

"It all begins with alumni; their support of the Annual Fund is extremely vital, as it covers so many wonderful components of our academic missions across all campuses," says Kathryn Riediger Heinly (B.B.A. '69, M.B.A. '79), director of the Alumni Association and chairperson of the Annual Fund Task Force. "Alumni giving is also a key indicator used in college rankings, significantly contributing to the image of the University."

And giving couldn't be easier. University alumni have the opportunity to contribute to the Annual Fund several times during the campaign year through coordinated telemarketing, direct mail, and personal solicitations. Contributions may be designated to a specific school, college, or program and also help support students and the institution at large. Gifts may be made by cash, check, credit card, or securities, and pledges are also accepted via the University of Miami Alumni Relations web page located at www.miami.alumni.edu.

An important means through which the Annual Fund secures donations is the centrally supported fundraising telephone and direct mail campaign. The Annual Fund Telemarketing Campaign, "Calling 'Canes," is designed to contact alumni, parents of undergraduate students, and friends of the University of Miami for the purpose of raising funds for the University, in general, or on behalf of a specific program or school. Operating from the first week of September through the first week of December and from February to mid-April, the campaign uses paid student callers and volunteers to solicit gifts to the University.

"It's more than getting on the phone to ask for money. It's also about connecting with alumni who share the alma mater that will shape our lives as well," says sophomore student caller Dana Huffman. "It feels good to talk with someone who not only shares our University of Miami experience but also wants to play a vital role in supporting higher education."

By giving to the University of Miami Annual Fund, you can help perpetuate the tradition of academic excellence through the 21st century and beyond. Supporting the Annual Fund shows very good "cents" on everyone's part.

Stay in Touch With On-line Resources


eeling out of touch with the University or your long-lost classmates? The Office of Alumni Relations is making it easier than ever to reconnect in a variety of ways with their newly designed alumni home page. Created to help direct you to classmates around the corner and across the globe and carry you back to the college days of the past, the alumni web page also helps you stay connected with your alma mater.

Just a click of a button will bring you up-to-date with current events around the University, including information on upcoming reunions and homecomings and other fun activities you might not want to miss. The site can help you explore the University, discover information on national clubs, and even peruse photos of recent events that either you or some of your friends may have attended through 'Canes Camera. You also have access to a list of products and services available to you, such as alumni group travel arrangements, ticket purchases, University of Miami credit cards, and insurance.

Launching in fall 2000 will be the University of Miami Alumni Association's web site MiamiAlumni.net featuring an on-line searchable alumni directory. Alumni will be able to locate friends and acquaintances by name, class, year, geographic location, and more. Alumni also will be able to check their own listings to update information or withhold that which they may not wish to include. This information is password-protected and is only accessible to other members of the University of Miami Alumni Association community.

The Alumni Association also can help you stay in touch through E-Alumni Connections, an alumni listserv to help alumni and friends to keep abreast of the latest news at the University. This weekly, electronic newsletter also contains information about the Office of Alumni Relations and Alumni Association activities.

E-Alumni Connections is a free service that you can subscribe (or unsubscribe) to by visiting the alumni listserv site. All you need is an active e-mail account.

Contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 305-284-2872 or e-mail to alumni@miami.edu with any questions, comments, or newsletter story submissions.

University 'Fans' Reach the Stars

tellar service to the University of Miami never goes unnoticed. At the 2000 Alumni Recognition and Awards Reception, superstar alumni were honored for their tremendous efforts in promoting and supporting the University.

The Alumnus of Distinction Award, presented to a distinguished alumnus who has brought honor and recognition to the University through outstanding personal or professional achievement, was given to Indianapolis Colts running back Edgerrin James and award-winning teacher Stephanie P. King (M.Ed. '95). A similar award, but for students--the newly established Student of Distinction Award--was given to Lissette Gonzalez, a senior with a double major in music and broadcast journalism.

Known for his untiring efforts in raising awareness of--and funds to find a cure for--spinal cord injury, Marc Buoniconti (A.B. '93) was honored with the Henry King Stanford Award for exemplary service to the University.

Brad P. Herman (A.B. '79), who performs pro bono surgery on children with disfigurements, was recognized as the fourth recipient of the William R. Butler Community Service Award. Named in honor of retired University Vice President Butler, the award recognizes distinguished alumni who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to volunteerism.

For his outstanding leadership and involvement with the Alumni Association, Donald J. Kelly (A.B. '72) was presented with the Orange: Outstanding Service Award. The Green: Outstanding Fund-Raiser Award was presented to Stuart M. Bloch (A.B. '64) for his superior leadership in the 'Canes Alumni Golf Tour--Blochbusta Classic, and The Band of the Hour Club received the White: Outstanding Affiliate Group Award for dedicated service in promoting the welfare of the University.

Denise Morris, wife of baseball coach Jim Morris, received the Inside Out Award, Basil Khalil (B.S.I.E. '95, M.S.I.E. '97) was named the Outstanding Young Alumnus, and Susan Miller was recognized as an honorary alumna for her extraordinary service to the University.

College Days Revisited Through Special Reunions


he University offers a chance for alumni to take a stroll down memory lane with their former close-knit University groups. In addition to offering social and educational opportunities, these groups provide alumni throughout the country with a network of friends and business contacts. Examples of such groups include fraternities and sororities, Band of the Hour, residential colleges, and ROTC, to name a few.

One group that recently joined together for a reunion was the student publications group who were part of the Golden Age of Student Publications. The time period of 1955 to 1969 also was known as the Wilson Hicks era, named after the tenure of the then student publications advisor. A former executive editor at LIFE magazine, Hicks served as an inspiring mentor who helped many talented students realize their dreams.

"Everybody at the reunion said the same thing: 'If it wasn't for Wilson Hicks...he gave us our first start,' " says Susan Neuman (A.B. '64), editor of The Hurricane in 1961 and the summer of 1962, and currently president of her own public relations and marketing firm, Susan Neuman, Inc. "He was influential in so many of our lives. He would always say he could get you in the door, but it's up to you to stay there. I interned at The Miami Herald through his assistance, where I stayed on for about three years before becoming editor of Miami magazine."

During her reign as editor, Neuman recalls one of the hottest stories of the time--when Henry King Stanford joined the University as the new president. "We wrote the first story to introduce him. The feeling was very positive," she says. "He was looked upon as a very colorful president—very warm, very open, and very pro-student. He really shaped an era."

For more information on an affiliate group near you, or to start a club in your area, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at 305-284-2872.

Support University Scholarships by Getting the Bird

his year, stand out in the crowd and show your Hurricane spirit by purchasing a University of Miami license plate. There is no better way to display pride for your alma mater.

"One way that University of Miami alumni in Florida can clearly demonstrate their commitment to UM and to higher education is to 'Get the Bird' on their car," says Kathy Uitvlugt, assistant vice president of Alumni Relations. "Over $5.4 million has been raised to support student scholarships during the last 11 years. We would love to see that figure grow to help so many deserving students obtain a top-notch education."

For those who already own the plate, Uitvlugt says, the University would like to extend a heartfelt thank you. By getting a plate for your car, you have made an important contribution to the University of Miami Alumni Scholarships fund. Since Sebastian the Ibis first appeared on the plates in 1989, owners of more than 18,000 vehicles have joined the Miami Hurricanes scholarship team.

"Education gives each of us choices. The Florida license plate program has provided much-needed tuition assistance to thousands of students to help secure their strong futures," says Uitvlugt. "The funds raised allow University of Miami alumni and friends to help others take advantage of an incredible opportunity--a high-quality private education at one of the finest universities in the nation."

National Alumni Clubs Bridge Miles and Memories

wonderful way to stay involved with the University of Miami is through national alumni clubs. For alumni not living in the Coral Gables area and unable to attend local University of Miami functions, national clubs provide a host of activities throughout the United States.

"Everyone should be aware that the University has activities for alumni both on campus and off campus, and they should take advantage of them. The University is not just for the students who are paying tuition; UM also takes care of its alumni," says Chuck Rowley (J.D. '93), past president of the Broward Alumni Club. "Sometimes alumni have the perception that the University is just asking for money, and that's not the case. There are a variety of activities that are not money-related."

A sampling of some of the activities available for alumni to participate in through national clubs includes annual meetings, Hurricane Club game-watching parties, beach events, golf tournaments, cocktail receptions, student recruiting, and general alumni gatherings where people can network, mingle, and be reunited with fellow alumni. "The activities we provide are so much fun in themselves," says Rowley. "Then, as an added bonus, you get a chance to meet a wealth of people. I have made many friends through this organization whom I wouldn't have met otherwise."

Serving as a liaison with the University and the Broward Alumni Club, Rowley is especially proud of the scholarship his organization has given out every year. The club raises the money themselves, and then undergoes the arduous process of selecting a qualified student in Broward County. The University of Miami Alumni Association matches up to $1,000 of the funds that are raised.

Rowley enjoys giving back to his community and staying involved with the University. "It is important to stay involved in order to keep a sense of community with the University. Retaining that connection is very rewarding in so many ways," he says.

Betty Amos to Serve Second Term as President

fter a banner first year, Fuddruckers franchisee Betty Amos (B.B.A. '73, M.B.A. '76) will continue to preside over the University's National Alumni Association. "One year is not quite long enough to really accomplish set goals," she says, "and we were just in the midst of getting so many things done."

Among her achievements, Amos helped put in motion a strategic planning process that included the creation of eight task forces focused on strengthening the association. She currently is spearheading a possible building campaign for a new alumni house. "We need to be more centrally located on campus, where we can serve as a gathering place and resource for both students and alumni," she says.

As a member of the presidential search committee, Amos is proud to represent the alumni viewpoint. She anticipates great success with the endeavor. "After meeting with faculty, students, alumni, and various constituents, we have developed an outstanding leadership profile of what we are looking for in a presidential candidate," she says.